Jeep grand Cherokee vs BMW x5

The world of SUVs has greatly improved from rugged 4x4s to luxurious machines with top technologies. These machines will not only take you wherever you want to go off-road but they also command a presence on city roads that speaks of luxury. You can buddle your entire family of seven into an SUV and still have some space for cargo. With so many models in the market, making the right choice can be a bit challenging. In this review, we check out the Jeep grand Cherokee and BMW x5 and we tell you which is the best.

What are the key differences between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and BMW x5

Model
Jeep Grand Cherokee (Freedom)
BMW x5 (xDrive45e)
Engine
DOHC 24-valve V6
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 3.0 liter
Power
295HP @6,400rpm
282HP
Torque
260 lb-ft @4,800rpm
331 lb-ft
Transmission
8-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Speed (0-60mph)
7.6 seconds
4.7 seconds
Top speed
117mph
129mph
Fuel economy (city/highway)
18/25mpg
26mpg
Cargo volume
36 cu.ft
33 cu.ft
Wheelbase
114.8 in.
117.1”

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. BMW x5 – How do they compare?

The BMW x5 has faster drivetrains though the Jeep Cherokee produces more horsepower. For example the BMWx5 xDrive40i consists of a 3.0 liter turbocharged engine that has almost the same power as the Cherokee 5.7 liter V8. The x5 is offered in three drivetrains. You have the xDrive40i with its 335HP turbocharged engine, you then have a plugin hybrid version with an electric motor that is capable of 389HP and then there is the M50i which is a twin turbo version capable of 523HP. The jeep is offered in various categories each suited to specific client needs. Most of the standard version comes with a V6 engine but you can get one with a massive 360HP V8 engine.

The Grand Cherokee is impressive due to its towing capacity and can do 6,200 pounds of the V6 engines and 7,200 pounds for the V8. This makes it an excellent companions for ARVs. It also performs better off-road than the x5, it will tackle very snowy roads and go places the x5 won’t reach.

Interior Cabin and accessories

The BMWx5 has a more luxurious interior cabin than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The BMWx5 offers you a myriad of luxury features like power-adjustable seats with the front ones having memory, all seats are cushioned. You also get a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated front seats, power rear tail gate, customizable ambient lighting, soft-close doors, and you can upgrade your music system to the more expensive Bower & Wilkins surround sound system. The car comes with twin 12.3” displays for your infotainment and operates on gesture controls.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a smaller 7 inch LCD that is flanked with various analogue dials. It is not as impressive as that one in the x5. You also have some soft leather where it matters like the upper door panels, armrests, dashboard and the rest you get hard plastic. The interior of the Grand Cherokee lacks the opulence in the x5.

Towing capacity and cargo area

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers better cargo handling than the X5 and can tow 6,200 pounds for its V6 engine and 7,200 for its pounds for its V8 engine. The jeep is also capable of handling off-roads better than the X5. It can be used in snowy areas and can reach places the x5 would not dare to go. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a cargo capacity of 36 cubic feet against the x5 33 cubic feet. Fuel economy is almost the same at 25mpg for highways.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. BMW x5 – A Comprehensive Overview

Jeep Grand Cherokee – Overview

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a SUV that performs quite well off-road. It is offered in a variety of models and drivetrains all suited to meet unique consumer needs. The vehicle is mainly offered as a V6 but for those who want more power can opt for the massive 360HP V8 engine. If you are a person who loves spending their time on the trails then you should consider the Trailhawk. This version comes with electronically controlled limited slip rear differential, two speed transfer case, Kevlar reinforced tires, and air suspension. You also get substantial ground clearance. While other top models offer driver assistance as standard for the Grand Cherokee it is optional.

The car is quite spacious with generous cargo space. The new Laredo X comes with a larger 8.4” infotainment system and heated steering wheel. You also get a nine speaker stereo, panoramic sunroof and Limited X gloss black exterior trim.

The car does come with some luxury features in all their models like leather seats, infotainment consoles with Apple CarPlay and Android interfaces. You also get 18” wheels as standard. You can also upgrade to the New sun and sound system and also include a panoramic sunroof. The V6 is the standard engine or the Grand Cherokee with the limited trims and above opting for the more powerful V8. The car has quite some hauling capacity with the V6 capable of 6,200 pounds while the V8 doing 7,200 pounds.

For some models like the Trailhawk you get optional air suspension. The jeeps steering is precise and comes in handy for rough roads. The fuel economy is decent at 25mpg for highways. The standard interior for the Jeep is a 7” LCD display with some additional chucky rotating buttons. You do not all leather seats but it is there where it matters.

What we liked:

  • Spacious cabin and storage area
  • Great off-road capabilities
  • High towing capacity
  • Awesome handling and steering
  • Wide range of trims to choose from

What we did not like:

The driver assistance is optional

BMW x5 – Overview

The BMW x5 is arguably one of the most popular SUVs in the market. It combines off-road capabilities and on-road driving satisfaction courtesy of a host of advanced technologies. In the interior you are treated to a host of luxurious styling with comfortable seats, spacious cabin, and an intuitive console.

The x5 is available in three drivetrains with an hybrid model the xDrive45e. For the latter you get a turbocharged 3.0 liter in-line six engine with an electric motor. This allows the car to have a combined output of 389 horsepower. The hybrid car comes with a 24kwh battery that is capable of providing 30 miles on all electric mode. You also have another version with a twin-turbo V8 engine. The xDrive40i is the one we are reviewing above and it has massive power that enables it move from 0 to 60mph in 4.8 seconds.

The car is all wheel drive and comes with some premium upgrade features like four zone automatic climate control, heads-up display, Harman/Kardon stereo system, remote engine-start capabilities, and wireless-phone charging.

For the x5 those that come with the sDrive40i or xDrive40i badge are equipped with a 335HP turbocharged in-line six engine. All the BMW x5 drivetrains are linked via an eight speed transmission. That is not all, if you need more power than nothing delivers as the BMW x5 M50i. This beast of a machine comes with a super powerful 523HP twin-turbo V8 engine that enables it to go from 0 to 60mph in less than four seconds.

When it comes to interior comfort nothing has being spared for the BMW x5. Users are treated to the high quality materials and technologies. You have power adjustable seats, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, rain sensing windshield wipers, power rear tail gate, massage seats, and customizable ambient lighting. The steering wheel is quite luxurious and you have plenty of cargo space at the back. Buyers also get the option of upgrading their speakers to special Bowers & Wilkins surround system that also comes with diamond-domed tweeters. Infotainment is via the cars twin 12.3” displays that operates on the latest version of iDrive software. It comes with gesture controls and center control.

What we liked:

  • Nothing has been spared for interior luxury
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious cargo area
  • Driver assistant safety features

What we did not like:

The third row can be tight for adults

Verdict: So, which is better – Jeep Grand Cherokee or BMW x5?

The final verdict will depend on what you want the car for. If you are in search for something that wins off-road then the Jeep Grand Cherokee performs better than the x5. The Jeep will tackle some very tough terrain like snowy roads better than the x5. It also has massive towing capacity. However, if it is speed and luxury you are looking for then the BMWx5 drivetrains have more power than the Grand Cherokee ones. The interior is also more luxurious for the x5 than the Jeep.

FAQ

Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee come with driver assistance?

The Jeep driver assistance capabilities are optional rather than it being standard in all their models

Can I do off-road with my BMW x5?

The car does have some off-road capabilities but it is limited in some areas. The car performs best on-road

Jurgen Shmidt works as an automotive engineer, his duties revolve around vehicle design, development manufacture, and testing. Shmidt is also involved in marketing, sales, and the after-sale care of cars, apart from his 8 hours job, he interacts with enthusiasts who have concerns or wish to learn about the various models of the BMW luxury cars. Shmidt believes that the demand for detailed information surpasses its availability and that is why he dedicates most of his free time, researching and compiling reliable information. The information compiled on bmwexpert has been derived from hands-on experience and not some snazzy press release, thus we believe you will find answers to your troubling questions about the BMW.

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